Iceland is a land of such raw, unapologetic beauty that it makes even the most jaded traveller stop dead in their tracks. Do you think you know grandeur? Try staring down the chasm of a canyon carved by the wrath of ancient glaciers and the persistence of time itself. We’re not talking about your everyday nature walk. This is a journey through the veins of Earth, a visceral expedition that gets under your skin.
So, buckle up, adventure seekers. Grab your boots, your courage, and maybe a flask of something strong. We’re diving into 16 of Iceland’s most stunning canyons, gorges and ravines. And trust me, this is the kind of rugged majesty that laughs in the face of your Instagram filters. Let’s go.
Seasons & Secrets: Best Time to Visit Icelandic Canyons
Listen, timing is everything—especially when it comes to Iceland’s countryside, a landscape as unforgiving as it is awe-inspiring. Most of the canyons on this list lie in the Highlands, an elusive area only accessible during summer’s embrace. A handful of others, such as Suðlagil, Fjaðrárglúfur, and Jökulsárgljúfur, are dependent on the weather, as the winter’s kiss turns roads into impassable ribbons of ice.
But, as with any challenge, there’s a workaround. Enter Traveo, your backstage pass into the grandeur. Whether it’s a specialized journey with seasoned guides or a bird’s-eye view via helicopter, they ensure you’re not left wanting.
Yet, for the untamed adventurer, Kolugljúfur, Gjáin, Almannagjá, and the Húsafell Canyon Baths stand ever-welcoming in sunshine, rain, or snow.
Iceland’s Top 16 Canyons – From Popular Attractions to Hidden Gems
Iceland’s Top 16 Canyons, Gorges and Ravines—a list that could only do injustice to Iceland’s sheer volume of natural spectacles. But for those of you with limited time or an appetite for only the crème de la crème, here it is.
These chasms aren’t just geological formations; they’re cathedrals of rock and sky, tailor-made to humble you. Get ready to feel small—in the best possible way.
The Crack in the World: Almannagjá Canyon
Almannagjá Canyon isn’t just another crack in the earth—it’s the crack, the literal rift between two tectonic plates. Stand here and you’re straddling two continents. How’s that for a humbling experience?
Imagine it. You’re walking through a corridor of towering walls that look like Odin himself has ripped them apart. On one side, you have North America and the other, Europe. Each step is an echo in a cathedral built by geological forces that make our human endeavours look like child’s play.
Located in the Þingvellir National Park, this place is not just a geological marvel; it’s also a historical epicentre. It is here where chieftains and Vikings would gather to form the world’s oldest parliament, Alþingi.
Þingvellir is one part of the famed Golden Circle, along with Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall, a sightseeing route beckoning travellers year-round. So, whether you find yourself exploring Almannagjá during the frozen embrace of winter or basking in the vibrant glow of summer, this sacred place promises to leave you breathless.
Nature’s Sculpture Studio: Stuðlagil Canyon
Tucked away in East Iceland is a canyon filled with towering basalt columns carved and sculpted by the relentless Jökulsá River. The geological gem of Stuðlagil Canyon feels alien and ancestral all at once. There’s a rhythm to this place, a cadence set by the interplay of water and rock over millennia.
Once hidden under a thick blanket of glacial meltwater, it’s only recently that Stuðlagil has revealed its full splendour to us mortals. And oh, what a revelation! Gaze upon its azure waters framed by stone pillars and tell me you’re not witnessing nature’s own cathedral. It’s the Sistine Chapel of the wild, and every stone column, every ripple, is a testament to time’s magnificent dance.
Timing, however, is crucial if you’re seeking that postcard-perfect turquoise river. Aim for early to mid-summer when the water resembles a liquid gemstone, and you’ll understand why some places are worth the trek. But be warned: by late summer and fall, the Kárahnjúkavirkjun Geothermal Power Plant throws a curveball, releasing surplus water that turns this jewel murky brown. As for winter, well, let’s just say the snow and ice aren’t rolling out the welcome mat.
The Hidden Oasis: Gjáin Ravine
Gjáin is Iceland’s secret garden, a hideaway where the landscape trades its usual bravado for intimacy. Just a stone’s throw from the tourist-beaten path of the Golden Circle, this hidden oasis offers a year-round peaceful counterpoint to Iceland’s blockbuster attractions. It shows you that Iceland can whisper just as loudly as it roars.
Waterfalls? You’re in luck. Háifoss and Hjálparfoss are close enough to make this a trifecta of watery grandeur. But don’t rush through Gjáin to check off your list; it deserves your undivided attention. You’ll find a lush pocket of paradise complete with basalt formations, clear ponds, and delicate foliage—a sanctuary in a land of extremes.
The Whispering Chasm: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge
Rauðfeldsgjá—try saying that five times fast. Or better yet, don’t. Instead, make the pilgrimage to this mystical split in the Snæfellsnes peninsula’s mountainside, and let it whisper its ancient secrets to you. Unlike other gorges and canyons that scream their grandeur, Rauðfeldsgjá is more subtle, more intimate.
As you squeeze through its narrow entrance, it’s like stepping into another realm—a Narnian world of sparkling streams, moss-covered walls, and ethereal light. The deeper you venture, the more the gorge reveals, like a bashful storyteller reluctantly sharing old legends.
Some say it’s the resting place of the half-brothers Rauðfeldur and Sölvi, eternally captured in stone. Whatever you believe, there’s no denying the place feels alive, ensnaring senses and imagination alike. So venture in, but tread lightly and listen carefully. In the delicate hush of Rauðfeldsgjá, every drop of water, every gust of wind, tells a tale.
The Valley of Tears: Sigöldugljúfur Canyon
Sigöldugljúfur—or let’s just call it the “Valley of Tears” for those of us not fluent in the poetic tongue-twists of Icelandic—is not your garden-variety canyon. No, this is a theatre of waterfalls, where the earth weeps in cascades so numerous, you lose count. Located in the Highlands, near the Landmannalaugar region, this canyon is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to raw, unfiltered beauty.
Just imagine standing at the brink of this chasm, looking out at countless falls spilling their contents into a basin of iridescent turquoise. It’s like peering into the land’s soul, where every drop is a word in Iceland’s endless saga of fire and ice, birth and decay.
You don’t visit Sigöldugljúfur for a quick snapshot; you come here to bear witness. To stand in awe at nature’s boundless creativity and to maybe, just maybe, shed a tear of your own. After all, beauty this arresting should never go unacknowledged.
The Canyon Dweller: Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Ah, Gljúfrabúi, the “best-kept secret” that everyone and their dog seems to know about. But you know what? That doesn’t make it any less majestic.
With a name translating to “dweller of the canyon”, Gljúfrabúi is tucked away like an illicit treasure in a snug canyon near the more famous Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. It epitomises what it means to be a “Canyon Dweller.” You won’t see it from the road; it hides behind its rocky façade like a shy artist reluctant to unveil a masterpiece.
So, you take the trail, wade through the shallow stream (this is why we don’t recommend you visit it in wintery conditions), and there it is. Water plummeting down into a tranquil pool, a private performance in nature’s own amphitheatre.
The rock walls close in, intensifying the sound, magnifying the aura. It’s as though the canyon itself conspired to create this enclave of awe, making you forget for a moment that this “secret” is widely known. But when you’re there, in that intimate communion with falling water and towering rock, who cares? The world narrows to that single, spellbinding spectacle—and that’s no small feat.
The Hollywood Rift: Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur. Now, there’s a name that feels like you’re casting a spell just saying it. And rightly so, because the moment you set eyes on this canyon, you’re enchanted. This is a winding, serpentine masterpiece that Earth’s forces have been sculpting for millennia, each twist and turn a testament to the enduring dance between water and rock.
Stretching over two kilometres and plunging 100 meters deep, its craggy walls are draped with the greenest of mosses in the summer—a cloak fit for a canyon of legends. The Fjaðrá River, its age-old sculptor, meanders through the base, humming ancient lullabies.
Recent fame from Justin Bieber and Game of Thrones might’ve brought throngs of admirers, but when you’re standing at its edge, looking into the verdant abyss, the world blurs. There’s just you, the wind, and the silent narrative of Earth’s artistry. Fjaðrárgljúfur isn’t just a canyon—it’s a poem penned by nature itself, beckoning all to read its lines.
The Fire Gorge: Eldgjá Canyon
Ah, Eldgjá—the name alone evokes something mythic, and rightfully so. This is the “Fire Gorge,” a yawning rift born of an apocalyptic eruption around a thousand years ago. Hell itself seemed to crack open, and from that fury, this immense canyon emerged as a lasting scar on the landscape.
Located in the southern Highlands and spanning a staggering 40 kilometres, it’s the largest volcanic canyon in Iceland. As you walk its length, every step resonates with the echoes of ancient forces that could make gods pause and reconsider. There’s even Ófærufoss, a double waterfall cascading like celestial tears, to punctuate the scene.
The Fire Gorge isn’t just another stop on your Icelandic tour; it’s a pilgrimage—a walk through the aftermath of Earth’s own Ragnarok. And let’s face it, if you’re not awed by that, then maybe, just maybe, you’re in the wrong country.
The Secret Garden: Nauthúsagil Ravine
Nauthúsagil Ravine is the kind of place that makes you believe in magic—fairy tale magic, the kind that fills your head as a kid and somehow gets lost along the way. Located in the south, near the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, this is no ordinary ravine. Oh no. It’s an intimate grove where nature decided to plant a lush, dangling garden on the rocky walls.
Think of it as Iceland’s secret Eden. A place where mosses, ferns, and birch trees cling to volcanic rock with a tenacity that says, “Damn the odds, beauty will prevail.” And did I mention the waterfall? A delicate cascade hidden deep within, like the final payoff in an epic quest.
It’s not the easiest trek; you’ll have to wade through shallow streams and manoeuvre around slippery stones, but isn’t that the point? Some wonders should require a little effort; they demand to be earned. And trust me, Nauthúsagil is worth every step. This trek is, of course, far smoother in the summer when the greenery dons its brightest colours. However, winter visitors can easily book special guided tours should they want to witness this hidden sanctuary.
The Echoing Passage: Stakkholtsgjá Canyon
Stakkholtsgjá Canyon is less of a place and more of a journey—a passage through time and terrain. Nestled deep within the Icelandic Highlands, this gem is an essential chapter of the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve story. With each step on its rugged trail, you’re treading on ancient tales, while the symphony of the gorge resonates with murmured secrets of the land.
At the trail’s end, a waterfall stands as the grand finale—a crescendo in this immersive orchestration of rock, water, and wind. It’s not about the destination alone; the entire hike is a saga in itself. Spanning just an hour or two, this journey offers fleeting moments of reflection, adventure, and awe. Stakkholtsgjá beckons not just to the wanderer but to the storyteller within you. Venture forth, and let the gorge etch its tale upon your spirit.
The Cascading Colossus: Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon
Jökulsárgljúfur is where Iceland flexes its muscles and reminds you, in case you forgot, of the sheer audacity of nature’s power. This immense canyon, carved through the ages by the glacial Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, doesn’t just whisper—it roars with cascades that shake the very ground beneath your feet.
Aside from its staggering beauty, Jökulsárgljúfur is known for its series of beautiful waterfalls that fall from its rugged cliffs. These include Selfoss, Hafragilsfoss, and the pièce de résistance of the canyon; Dettifoss. It’s the kind of waterfall that doesn’t just catch your eye—it captures your soul. Its raw power thunders down with a vehemence that you can feel in every bone.
But this isn’t just about the brute force; it’s the harmony of it all. The cascade’s roar, the serene flow of the river, the silent watch of the ancient walls—they’re chapters in a saga that Iceland has been penning for millennia.
The Giant’s Footprint: Ásbyrgi Canyon
Step into Ásbyrgi, and you’re stepping into legend. This horseshoe-shaped depression isn’t just another dent in the earth—it’s said to be the footprint of Odin’s eight-legged steed, Sleipnir.
Whether you’re a believer in Norse tales or not, the sheer scale and audacity of this formation are undeniably godly. Encircled by vertiginous cliffs, with a serene pond acting as the eye to this monumental footprint, Ásbyrgi isn’t just a site—it’s a story. Every rustling leaf, echoing birdcall, and whispering wind carries fragments of myths long told.
Venture in, and let the Norse gods regale you with tales from times when giants and deities walked the land.
The Sheltered Secret: Þakgil Canyon
Þakgil Canyon, or as the locals call it, “Roof Canyon,” is one of those places that defies the erratic temperament of Icelandic weather. Tucked away near Mýrdalsjökull glacier, it offers shelter when the rest of the island decides to showcase its tempestuous moods. It’s as if some ancient god decided to place a protective hand over this slit in the earth, shielding it—and you—from nature’s whims.
Step inside, and you’re in on the secret—a haven where mossy walls cradle tranquil trails, and the sun often dapples through in a rare Icelandic embrace. It’s more than just a scenic refuge; it’s a reminder that even in a land defined by its wild elements, there are pockets of serenity, moments of calm. Þakgil is not just a canyon; it’s a whispered invitation to find peace in the storm’s eye.
The Hidden Elixir: Húsafell Canyon Baths
Iceland is full of secrets, but few are as enchanting as the Húsafell Canyon Baths. Nestled within a chasm in the Icelandic Highlands, these geothermal treasures seem almost too fantastical to be real. But they are. A blend of primal nature and human ingenuity.
Access isn’t simple—a symbol of exclusivity in an age where almost everything’s a click away. Traveo’s minibus tour is your golden ticket, whisking you into the heart of the Highlands with tales spun by a local who knows the lore, the glacier sagas, and the geothermal mysteries beneath your feet.
When you finally slip into those naturally heated pools, it’s not just warmth you feel—it’s an embrace. As steam swirls and the canyon walls rise, framing glaciers and peaks in the distance, you realize that this isn’t just relaxation. It’s a moment suspended in time, in a hideaway where magic, myth, and mountains converge.
Tales of Titans: Kolugljúfur Gorge
Iceland, a land where folklore and landscape are inextricably entwined. At Kolugljúfur Gorge, this union comes alive with every cascade and curve. Just a stone’s throw from the main road, this chasm unfolds to reveal the dance of the Kolufoss waterfalls—each a testament to nature’s artistry.
But the real tale is etched in the earth, sculpted by the giantess Kola’s whims…according to folklore at least. The canyon’s corners, nooks, and crannies are evidence of her mighty presence—where she once slumbered, where she cooked her salmon, where her laughter might’ve echoed.
A mere kilometre in length, this gorge packs millennia of myths, beckoning the curious traveller to walk in the footsteps of Titans.
Uncharted Splendor: Múlagil Canyon
Just a heartbeat away from the celebrated Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon lies Múlagil— a secret the world hasn’t yet fully discovered. This verdant chasm, with its cascading waterfalls echoing tales of old, cradles itself in the shadows of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers.
A mere hop, skip, and a 50-minute hike will lead you to its brink, where the Hangandifoss Waterfall unfurls its mesmerizing drapery. As you ascend the canyon, each step unveils a panorama that etches itself into memory. Though the path is simple, the reward is anything but—a view, untainted and utterly awe-inspiring, silently waits to captivate those who seek the untouched splendours of Iceland.
The Canyon Chronicles: A Recap
In the heart of the North Atlantic lies Iceland, a land where nature’s audacity meets ancient lore. From the protective embrace of Þakgil to the cascading wonders of Jökulsárgljúfur, every canyon, gorge, and ravine carries a tale waiting for you to unearth.
As we traverse the country’s corners, from the Highlands to hidden baths, we’re not just observing—we’re journeying through Iceland’s soul. Join us, and let’s write our own chapter in this epic adventure!
